Child Care Costs

The cost of child care in America has been on the rise since 2010. In Maryland, child care is almost always the second or third largest household expense for families. It’s an investment worth the money.

Sharing is Caring

Sharing is hard. Look at the difficulty some adults us have relinquishing the TV remote! And we’re often pained to lend a friend a favorite book or let our partner use our car. So it’s no wonder that sharing doesn’t come easily to children.

I Don’t Like Your Tone

Adults can be quick to judge people. We form our opinions based on not only what people say, but also how they say it. Now researchers at the University of Toronto suggest that very young children make similar snap judgments about people based on tone of voice alone.

Discussing Divorce

You tried working things out. But it’s over. Now you must break the news. Explaining divorce or separation to a young child is hard. So finding the age appropriate words and actions is important. We have some tips to help ease the pain.

The Science of Reading

When reading a bedtime story to a young child, have you ever wondered what she’s thinking about? Well, researchers say they have more evidence that reading to young children has an impact on their developing minds.

Babysitting

Wouldn’t it be splendid if Mary Poppins appeared one day with all her magic to babysit for your children? In the real world, finding the right babysitter can be a source of anxiety. Luckily, the University of Michigan Health System has some recommendations to help you find the right person for the job. Listen now.

Positive Parenting

Just how important are the first years of life? Well, researchers have found further evidence that the type of emotional support a child receives as a baby and toddler can shape educational outcomes and relationships as an adult.

Choosing Chores

Lots of parents want to instill in their children the values of hard work and teamwork. At home, the opportunity to practice this often involves chores that children- even little kids- can help with. But choosing the right chores, and the right messages, matters.

Happy Anniversary Head Start!

Head Start just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Over 31 million children have benefitted from Head Start and Early Head Star to become business and community leaders, teachers, Members of Congress, athletes, Grammy-winning musicians, poets, and parents. But more work needs to be done to expand early learning opportunities like this to all families who need and want it.

Secondhand Smoke and Kids

Secondhand smoke can lead to multiple health complications. Adults have the option to walk away from smoke but children don’t always have that choice. Learn more about the risks to children who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.

Lead Poisoning

One in five children in the U.S. has unsafe levels of lead in his blood stream. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious problems for children. Know what to look for and how to avoid lead poisoning.

Go Nuts!

Developmental psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner said children need “the enduring, irrational involvement of one or more adults in care of and in joint activity with that child. In short, somebody has to be crazy about that kid.” So, go nuts! Show a child you’re crazy about them.